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<p>I'm not really sure exactly WHAT you're asking, as it seems like
you have a specific use case in mind, but you're dancing around
the issue.</p>
<p>APRS is a PROTOCOL. It defines a specific way to format messages
so they can be understood and interpreted on a universal level.
Trying to regulate what is actually DONE with that protocol would
be like trying to regulate the Internet Protocol, or TCP/IP. No
one WANTS TCP/IP to be used to share terrorist plots or harmful
images of minors, but it's used for that every day. And there's
nothing anyone can do about it.</p>
<p>APRS _IS_ protected by US Trademark, so companies can't just
willy-nilly use the Automated Packet Reporting System name or
symbols to sell their product, but I don't think that's what
you're concerned about.</p>
<p>As for the APRSSIG, it's a moderated mailing list with people
looking at it daily. If someone violates the terms of service,
they're excluded from the group, probably after a warning unless
their behaviour is egregious.</p>
<p>As operators, I would hazard to guess there's not much, if
anything, we can do to "ensure it remains neutral", just like
there's not much I can do if someone gets on 80 meters and starts
reciting the entire George Carlin comedy library. I'm sure the
FCC might fine them, or take their equipment, but the likelihood
of that is near zero.</p>
<p>People like Hessu that runs aprs.fi do a nice VOLUNTEER job of
filtering out data that is TECHNICALLY harmful to the network (see
APRS-over-LORA packets that alter the original on-air message to
include received signal data), but they don't filter content or
"political" use.</p>
<p>What are you REALLY looking for here?</p>
<p>de John - AB0OO<br>
</p>
<div class="moz-cite-prefix">On 1/20/25 11:59 AM, Faizul wrote:<br>
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cite="mid:54df4a84.AVYAAF6oMD4AAAAAAAAAA8v0QNMAAYKHzrAAAAAAAChsmwBnjqtJ@mailjet.com">
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<p>Dear <span class="gmail-il">APRSSIG</span> Members,</p>
<p>I hope this message finds you well. My name is Piju
(callsign: 9M2PJU), and I am an active amateur radio
operator with a keen interest in <span class="gmail-il">APRS</span> and
its potential applications. I am writing to seek guidance on
a matter that has come to my attention regarding the use of <span
class="gmail-il">APRS</span> by some operators to mark
political territories or boundaries associated with their
countries.</p>
<p>As <span class="gmail-il">APRS</span> is a platform
designed to enhance communication, location sharing, and
emergency response, I am concerned about its potential
misuse for purposes that may be perceived as political or
territorial in nature. Such activities could risk fostering
misunderstandings or conflicts within the amateur radio
community, which thrives on the principles of collaboration,
neutrality, and mutual respect.</p>
<p>I would appreciate any insights or best practices the group
might share on how to address or manage situations where <span
class="gmail-il">APRS</span> is being used in a way that
might conflict with these values. Specifically:</p>
<ol>
<li style="margin-left:15px">Are there established
guidelines within the <span class="gmail-il">APRSSIG</span> or
the broader amateur radio community regarding the use of <span
class="gmail-il">APRS</span> for non-technical or
politically oriented purposes?</li>
<li style="margin-left:15px">How can we as operators promote
the proper use of <span class="gmail-il">APRS</span> and
ensure it remains a neutral and constructive tool for all?</li>
<li style="margin-left:15px">Are there any recommended steps
to engage with individuals or groups who may inadvertently
or otherwise use <span class="gmail-il">APRS</span> in
ways that could be controversial or divisive?</li>
</ol>
<p>I am confident that the <span class="gmail-il">APRSSIG</span> community
shares a collective interest in maintaining <span
class="gmail-il">APRS</span> as a platform that serves all
operators positively and constructively. I welcome your
thoughts, suggestions, or references to any relevant
resources or guidelines on this matter.</p>
<p>Thank you for your time and for fostering such an inspiring
and supportive community. I look forward to hearing your
perspectives.</p>
<p>Kind regards,<br>
Piju<br>
9M2PJU<br>
<a rel="noopener"
href="https://sps6s.mjt.lu/lnk/AVYAAF6oMD4AAAAAAAAAA8v0QNMAAYKHzrAAAAAAAChsmwBnjqtJMHuIaN_KRlOBRAsl4tSfQAAlgMw/1/VewQ8nKWSfFANyV62lQRxQ/aHR0cHM6Ly9oYW1yYWRpby5teS8"
target="_blank" moz-do-not-send="true">hamradio.my</a></p>
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